Peavy Talk

[Clapp]

<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->But Cubs officials stress they're a long way from consummating a deal and have at least two significant steps to take before entering the final stages of Peavy talks -- namely acquiring their top priority of a left-handed bat and clearing payroll by trading the bulk of pitcher Jason Marquis' remaining $9.875 million contract.

While that points to the likelihood the Cubs will leave Las Vegas on Thursday without Peavy, <b>multiple sources with knowledge of the Cubs' talks with the Padres told the Sun-Times over the weekend they expect the deal to get done</b>.

Reports out of San Diego that the framework of a five-for-one deal is in place are exaggerated, a source close to the Cubs' dealings said.

But such a deal has been discussed, sources say, including the third-team involvement of the Baltimore Orioles, who are said to be willing to trade left-handed pitcher Garrett Olson for Cubs outfielder Felix Pie, allowing the Cubs to include Olson in a pitching-heavy deal for Peavy.

One well-placed Cubs source -- who earlier in the day told SI.com he thought a deal for Peavy was ''on life support'' -- said he was encouraged by events Sunday.

''It's definitely still alive,'' he said before emphasizing the work on other fronts the Cubs feel they must get done before closing a Peavy deal.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->A rumor floating around the Bellagio lobby Sunday evening had the Tampa Bay Rays being a possible third-team partner in a Peavy deal, but it was unclear how that would fit -- possibly a sign of how fluid the situation remains.

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry and Padres GM Kevin Towers also had discussed a potential deal for shortstop Khalil Greene before the Padres traded Greene to St. Louis, according to one of the sources.

Indications are that the Cubs have Florida Marlins outfielder Jeremy Hermida high on their list of possible hitters via trade and are looking at talented but injury-prone outfielder Milton Bradley via free agency. Bradley had until midnight Sunday to accept the Texas Rangers' arbitration offer but was expected to decline.

Manager Lou Piniella also is high on Seattle Mariners free-agent outfielder Raul Ibanez, and New York Yankees free agent Bobby Abreu might be the best fit for the Cubs.

While the Cubs privately admit they still have their eye on a trade for Orioles second baseman and leadoff hitter Brian Roberts if he becomes available, they could turn their attention to possible shortstop acquisitions, one of the sources said.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

I posted most of the article, but I don't care, it's all important.
Link(Sun-Times "Peavy Deal Not Imminent")

And this is my favorite part, this pic was in the article with the following caption: "Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry points to a television reporter after becoming upset with a question regarding trade rumors at meetings of baseball GMs."